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My Irish Setter Do £s 



Perdvai P, Ba-^Ur 
Governor «/ Mmm 



Glass 
Book- 







My Irish Setter Dogs 



By Percival P. Baxter 
Governor of Maine 




GARRY" 



to 




(gouernnr of Mmm 



LIBRARY OF CUHGRESS 
ReCEIVED 



NOV 5 -1923 



DOCUMENTS DIV(SlON 




GOVERNOR PERCIVAL P. BAXTER 

AND 

HIS IRISH SETTER "GARRY" 



My Irish Setter Dogs 

By PERCIVAL P. BAXTER 

Governor of Maine 




)N recalling the events of my life from 
the time I was a small boy until 
now I am deeply impressed with the 
fact that the story of my Irish Setter 
dogs is inseparably connected with 
my own life story. For thirty-seven 
years my setters have been my constant companions, 
and all of them have come from the same Elcho 
strain. My father gave me my first dog when I 
was but nine years of age. The day this little ten- 
weeks-old, tawny-colored pup was brought in a crate 
to my home always will be remembered by me. As 
the precious package was placed upon the grass, 
the tiny inmate poked her nose through the slats 
and lapped the hand of the one she was ready to 
acknowledge as her master. She knew little but 
loved much. 

The Price of Dogs 

In those days the price of dogs like other prices, 
whether of luxuries or of necessities, was not un- 
reasonable. The modest sum of three dollars was 
all that my father paid for the pup, while I volun- 
tarily contributed from my own savings what to 
me was the large sum of eighty-five cents to cover 
the express charges from Rockland to Portland. 



The First Night 

After the unpacking, which was done with 
great care, I carried my new friend in my arms to 
the small steamer that plied between Portland and 
the island in Casco Bay on which was my father's 
summer home. The first night was difficult for the 
pup as well as for the family. After much thought 
I prepared what seemed a most alluring bed, and 
the pup was placed therein. She, however, being 
lonesome was not satisfied with my arrangements 
and before long cried lustily. This became a con- 
tinuing performance, and after a time the patience 
of some of the older members of the family was 
exhausted. Sleep was precious and was being in- 
terfered with. 

About midnight I heard someone go cautiously 
downstairs and the poor little pup was put outside 
into the darkness. It was a warm summer evening, 
but this cruelty was more than I could stand. Wait- 
ing for the house to again become quiet I crept 
stealthily out of my room, found the little pup 
crouching outside by the back door, took her in my 
arms and together we went back to bed. In this 
way for several nights I outwitted the family, and 
was up in the morning before anybody else in order 
to place the pup outside the house where she was 
supposed to have been all the time. The pup's lone- 
someness wore away, and soon she became an 
orderly member of the family. I was no longer 
obliged to deceive my elders. 

The Family Increases 

In the course of time my dog arrived at matur- 
ity and the household was blessed with nine pups, 
all thoroughbreds. Under the tutelage of my older 
brothers, more experienced in worldly affairs, I 



learned quickly. After about a year nine more pups 
of the same breed arrived and a thriving business 
was established. 

Notwithstanding the market was well supplied, 
the price of Irish Setter pups did not break, and 
though not advanced to any great extent above the 
original figure I felt the need of a small increase. 
^The male pups brought me ten dollars, the female 
five. At this discrimination between the sexes I 
revolted. Perhaps this was the beginning of my 
later desire to help the Vv^eaker sex attain equal 
rights with the stronger, for in after years I became 
an ardent champion of equal suffrage ! 

An Uninvited Dinner Guest 

As the pups approached the age of about ten 
weeks the time for separation came. I distinctly 
remember those sad days. I wept over the de- 
parture of each and every one of my small com- 
panions as I placed them in crates, took them down 
to the little steamer and sent them away into the 
great world to seek their fortunes. They were dis- 
tributed far and wide. 

One in particular went to a well-known manu- 
facturer in central New York state. He must have 
been a good man. A few days after the pup's 
arrival he invited several friends to dinner, and for 
a brief moment forgot about his new dog. As he 
and his company stepped into the dining room to 
enjoy their meal, they beheld the pup standing four 
square in the center of the table ; but too late ! The 
large piece of salmon that had been provided for his 
guests' refreshment had entirely disappeared. He 
wrote me that he appreciated the humor of the 
situation and so could not punish the culprit. This 
self-control made a great impression upon me. 



I always was careful to do my best to place my 
little friends in good homes, and for several years 
conducted quite a thriving business, for my faithful 
old dog was a good mother and enjoyed raising 
large families. 

Parental Patience 

My father and my mother were unusually 
patient, for I never had fewer than two dogs at 
home, and once had five. Boys and dogs were 
everywhere. I wonder how many mothers today 
would be as lenient with their children and their 
children's pets. Occasionally my dogs would be 
taken sick, and then there was real trouble and 
much anxiety in the house. Doctors were called, 
medicine given, and often times more of it found 
its way onto my clothing than went into the systems 
of my patients. 

I Learned of Animals 

During all these years I was learning of animals 
at first hand, their habits and their possibilities. I 
accepted responsibility for those under my charge, 
understood and respected their rights, even though 
they were only the rights of dumb animals. I re- 
gret certain things done in my ignorance, but not- 
withstanding my inexperience my first dog lived 
longer than any that came after, for she attained 
the ripe age of fourteen years and finally died of 
poisoning. 

During these thirty-seven years I have lived 
with my companions, and except when away from 
home on business or pleasure trips, not a day of 
my life since I was nine years old, have I been with- 
out my Irish Setters. The members of my family, 
my father, mother, brothers and sisters, all were 
fond of dogs and some loved them as much as I did. 



"Deke" Went to College 

My dog "Deke" went to Bowdoin college with me, 
where we both had many interesting experiences. 
The professors were patient and human. I recall 
an occasion when the professor of history, held in 
awe by his pupils, was holding class in a room 
shaped like an amphitheatre. My dog, lying in 
front of the professor's desk and in full view of 
everybody, suddenly was taken very sick, as often 
happens after over eating. I was tremendously em- 
barrassed. The dog was withdrawn, and the class 
adjourned, while I apologized to the professor for 
what had happened. With a kindly smile he said 
to me : "Mr. Baxter I know the dog was much more 
uncomfortable than any of us; you need not apolo- 
gize for him." 

"Deke" was a regular attendant at the class 
rooms, and during lectures sat beside me on the 
benches. Often he would bound into chapel during 
services, rush up onto the platform, speak to the 
President or Professor who was presiding, and then 
lie down beside the pulpit. One Sunday afternoon 
he brought a large bone to the chapel and laid it 
carefully at the President's feet without interrupt- 
ing the opening prayer. I do not recall that the 
college authorities ever objected to the dog, and I 
always shall remember the friendly and tolerant 
spirit they displayed. 

A Serious Accident 

Before the advent of the automobile I invariably 
was accompanied on the streets of my native city 
of Portland by at least two dogs. On one occasion, 
however, while crossing the main street, one dog be- 
came confused, turned back, and a swiftly approach- 



ing trolley car cut off one of his front paws. He 
was in great pain, but as soon as I lifted him in my 
arms he stopped crying and I hailed a passing ex- 
press wagon and took him to a veterinarian. This 
man was so shocked at the condition of the dog's 
leg which he said could not be "patched up," that 
he suggested chloroforming him. I insisted that 
I wanted the dog treated just as though he were 
a human being, and explained to the veterinarian 
that an injured man would be given every chance 
of life, and why not so with a dog. Although it took 
six months to heal the wound, the dog lived with 
me for nine years afterwards and was a faithful 
friend. 

"Garry" at Home at the Capitol 

The dogs I own today are worthy descendants 
of those of my boyhood. "Garry," nine years old, 
is my constant companion in the Governor's House 
and in my office at the State Capitol. He goes back 
and forth with me between Portland and Augusta, 
both by train and automobile, and understands the 
duties of the Governor's Office as well as could be 
expected of any dog. 

My eight months old pup, "Eirie," is a trifle too 
impetuous to remain long in the Executive Chamber, 
but every day Mr. Chadbourne my Secretary and 
myself, with the two dogs walk together through 
the woods and over the hills back of the State House. 
My human friends and my relatives are obliged to 
take me with my dogs, or not at all, and most of 
them seem really fond of my canine companions. 

Children and Animals 

To appreciate dogs, in fact to appreciate any- 
thing, one must learn and understand. A child 
should begin early to know animals and its life is 



not complete unless it has associated with them. 
Pets develop the character of children and make 
them kindly and considerate. It is just as true that 
every child needs a dog as it is that every dog needs 
a child. 

Dumb animals are placed in this world for a 
purpose, and we should not shirk our responsibilities 
toward them. These helpless creatures serve us, 
comfort us and put us to the test. They acknowl- 
edge us as masters, and their loyalty, devotion and 
gratitude is unquestioned. Many humans, realiz- 
ing how often they have failed to serve their Master, 
have reason to be humbled in spirit when they wit- 
ness the unselfish devotion of a faithful dog to his 
master. 

"He prayeth best, who loveth best 
All things both great and small. 

For the dear God who loveth us 
He made and loveth all." 

The Almighty's Purpose 

The finest men and women are those with the 
broadest sympathies. Some small-minded persons 
either pretend to, or do dislike dogs, but something 
worth while is lacking in the characters of such 
people, and they probably never will know what re- 
warding companionships they have missed. The 
Almighty had a distinct purpose in putting all his 
creatures in the world together, and man should 
take no pride to himself just because he is superior 
to his dumb brothers. Rather should he thank God 
for the greater opportunities for service that have 
been given him. 



Bishop Doane's poem always has appealed to 
me: 

"I am quite sure he thinks that I am God — 
Since He is God on whom each one depends 
For hfe, and all things that his bounty sends — 
My dear old dog, most constant of all friends; 
Not quick to mind, but quicker far than I 
To Him whom God I know and own; his eye 
Deep brown and liquid, watches for my nod; 
He is more patient underneath the rod 
Than I, when God His wise corrections sends. 
He looks love at me, deep as words e'er spake; 
And from me never crumb or sup will take 
But wags thanks with his most vocal tail; 
And when some crashing noise wakes all his fear 
He is content and quiet if I'm near, 
Secure that my protection will prevail ; 
So, faithful, mindful, thankful, trustful, he 
Tells me what I unto my God should be." 

Dogs express themselves in many ways, though 
not by speech. I am grateful for what they have 
taught me and have done for me. Always faithful 
to the end they would, if they understood, gladly 
forgive their masters for performing the sad duty 
that often becomes necessary when the time for 
parting arrives. 

A Dog Cemetery 

On my island where my summer home is located 
I have a little cemetery for my setter friends. A 
large boulder bears a copper plate with the inscrip- 
tion: 

"To my Irish Setters 

Life-long Friends and Companions 

Affectionate Faithful and Loyal 

Percival P. Baxter 

Governor of Maine" 

followed by the names and dates of the births and 
deaths of all my dogs. A stone wall encloses a small 



tract of land with the boulder in the center and 
with trees encircling it. The friends of my child- 
hood and of my mature life are entitled to a quiet 
resting place, and provision has been made that they 
never shall be disturbed. 

My life has been fuller, happier, and more use- 
ful because I have owned and lived with my dogs. 
I hope I always may be blessed with the companion- 
ship of my faithful Irish Setters. 




3n il^mnnam 



GARRY" 



"Garry," Governor Baxter's faithful friend and companion died 
Thursday, June 1, 1923, after a long illness. Last September (1922) 
a swelling appeared on "Garry's" jaw, the result of an unknown 
injury, and it failed to respond to treatment. Local veterinarians 
were consulted and two trips were made to the Angell Memorial 
(Animal) Hospital in Boston; all to no purpose. 

"Garry" and his ancestors have been in the Governor's family 
continuously for 37 years, and since he and the Governor came to 
Augusta in 1921 they have lived together at the Blaine Mansion. 
"Garry" visited the Capitol daily, and had friends in every office 
on whom he called as he passed by. In the Executive Chamber a 
special couch was provided for him, and he remained faithfully at 
his post hour after hour, waiting for his Master to finish his work 
and go to walk with him over the hills and through the woods back 
of the Capitol. 

An Irish Setter, with a wonderful coat like rich burnished copper, 
"Garry" was unusually intelligent and was friendly to everybody, 
especially to the small children who daily pass the Blaine House 
on their way to a nearby primary school. During the Legislative 
session, notwithstanding his affliction, "Garry" kept faithful guard 
over his Master, and never seemed disturbed at the constant goings- 
out and comings-in at the Governor's Office. 

During his long illness he was given the same care that a human 
being receives from loving friends. He was like the Governor's 
shadow, always with him. "Garry" had a special permit, granted 
him by the President of the Maine Central Railroad and thereby 
was not obliged to ride in the baggage car. He was a most unusual, 
affectionate dog and when matters of State became troublesome his 
master found in him a true friend. Everybody at the State House 
vdll miss his friendly greetings for he was a prominent and popular 
member of the "State House Family." 

"Garry" was taken by the Governor to his Island home in Fal- 
mouth, near Portland, where he was buried at the base of a large 
granite boulder on which is a bronze tablet bearing the names of 
all of the Governor's dogs. This little dog cemetery overlooks Casco 
Bay and is walled in by a stone wall and surrounded by trees. Out 
of respect for "Garry's" memory by order of the Governor the State 
House flags v/»re placed at half mast for the period of the journey 
home and the burial ceremony. 



THE FLAG, THE DOG AND THE GOVERNOR 



Governor Percival P. Baxter of Maine Answers Those Who 
Objected to His Half-Masting the Flags at the State 
Capitol, Augusta, Upon the Death of His Faithful Irish 
Setter Dog, "Garry." 



"I yield to no one in my respect and reverence for our 
Flag. It flies over us all, grown-ups and children, civilian 
and soldier, rich and poor, and none have rights in it not 
possessed by all. Our flag recognizes no distinction of race, 
creed, occupation, or station, and every living creature that 
serves man is entitled to its protection. Its spirit is all 
embracing. 

"Loyalty and unselfishness are the crowning virtues, and 
where can these be found in purer form than in man's best 
friend, the dog! He never falters in his devotion; never 
questions nor complains. Hunger, thirst and privation to 
him are nothing if he can share them with his master, and 
comfort him in his distress. A dog asks no reward other 
than to be in the presence and confidence of his human 
companions. 

"The loyalty and unselfishness of a dog well may put 
most men to shame, for few are as loyal to their Heavenly 
Master as is the humble dog to his earthly one. My faith- 
ful dog, unlike many of my human friends, never betrayed, 
nor believed ill of me. In all his life he never was mean 
or dishonorable; can this be said of many humans? If all 
men would acquire the outstanding virtues of the dog, great 
happiness soon would be spread broadcast over this sordid 
world. 

"My 'Garry' was a part of my life, for my dogs consti- 
tute my immediate family. Moreover he was recognized 
as a member of my 'State House Family' as much as any 
of us who work beneath the dome of the Capitol. There 
was no reflection upon human kind, nor was any desecration 
done, by the lowering of our flag for a few short hours 
while I bore my trusted companion to his last resting place. 



After it all was over and a chapter of my life closed, I 
issued orders to raise the flag to its accustomed place. 

"Our flag pre-eminently is the emblem of peace, rather 
than the battleflag of war; for peace is eternal and is more 
noble than war. Its record in war is inspiring, but its 
record in peace equals, if not surpasses it. It has protected 
the weak from the strong; it has stood for justice among 
nations, and it is our flag that ultimately will bring peace 
to the world. Our flag is the standard of the civihan 
equally as it is of the soldier, both of whom have endured 
sufferings and made sacrifices that it may fly freely in the 
breeze. It symbolizes the virtues of peace, as it does the 
heroisms of war. The civilian has the same claims upon 
it as has the warrior, and the humblest citizen shares its 
glory equally with the proudest general. 

"Dogs have played their part in peace and war. From 
the earliest ages they have been man's protectors and 
friends. History records that in our recent conflict, dogs 
saved countless lives, performed many acts of bravery and 
devotion, and in their death were fittingly honored by their 
human companions. Unlike men, however, dogs always are 
loyal and unselfish, and daily they perform acts of service 
and heroism that add new laurels to their fame. 

"The fair names of our State and Nation have not been 
tarnished because their flags were placed at half-mast out 
of respect to one of God's humble, but noble, creatures. A 
fitting tribute has been paid to my dog and to the dogs of 
ages past; a tribute well deserved but long deferred. 

"I doubt if many would criticise our President should he 
order the White House flags lowered in memory of his 
'Laddie Boy'; nor do I believe many will take exception to 
the Governor of Maine's doing likewise for his faithful 
companion 'Garry.' I seek to oft'end the feelings of none, 
but I yield to none my right to act according to the dictates 
of my heart. 

"It was my desire and my plan to have the flags lowered 
during the period of 'Garry's' journey homeward to the 
graves of his ancestors at my Island home. This desire 
was fulfilled and this plan executed. It may be that the 
comments made upon my action will arouse our people to 
a new realization of their responsibilities to dumb animals ; 



if this be so one of my purposes will have been accom- 
plished. 

"I firmly believe that when the men and women of this 
State and Nation think through what I have done, they will 
see that a lesson in the appreciation of dumb animals has 
been taught, and that my act heightens the significance of 
our flag as an emblem of human achievement that has been 
made possible largely through the faithful services and 
sacrifices of dumb animals. 

"I should esteem it an honor, when my time comes, to 
have the same Capitol flags that were lowered for my dog, 
lowered for me. It is my prayer that I always may be as 
unselfish, and as loyal to my Master, State and Nation, as 
was 'Garry' to me." 




Governor of Maine. 




EIRIE" 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 



002 823 576 8 




